Chapter 11
I don’t know how to use a sword.
When I was little, I also fantasized about being an invincible swordsman. I’d break small branches off the fake rockery nearby, snap off the twigs and leaves, and use the stick as a sword to slash at weeds and trees on the hill to satisfy my beautiful fantasy. However, this fantasy was eventually worn away by more and more homework. As I advanced in grade, I had to put on glasses, pick up a pen, scribble answers on test papers, and sit in boring classrooms listening to teachers lecture. In the end, I came to view those children waving sticks like I did when I was young as naughty kids who didn’t like to study, and that small dream was buried deep in my heart.
Now, under the gaze of everyone, I am holding a wooden sword and sparring with a real swordsman. The desire to swing the sword is burning in my heart.
“Come on, you’re young, I’ll let you make the first move!”
Edmond rested his wooden sword on his shoulder, his other hand on his waist, his burly figure standing tall like a mountain before me.
He sure talks big. Goading won’t work on me; my patience is much higher than those hot-blooded youths who start fights over a single disagreement. Okay, actually, I’m just rather timid.
But even so, my heart skipped a beat, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Since my strength is absolutely dominant, slashing rather than thrusting is the best way to attack.
“Here I come.”
I leaped forward, raised the wooden sword vertically, and smashed it down towards Edmond’s chest.
As long as he raised his sword to block, it would become a battle of attrition. With both sides exerting force, the stronger one—me—would definitely be able to hit him eventually.
However, Edmond dodged sideways, avoiding my slash, and countered with a nimble thrust at my wrist.
I hurriedly flicked my sword, trying to clash with Edmond’s wooden sword, but the first heavy blow hitting nothing made my exertion uneven. I was still a step too slow, and my right hand was poked by Edmond’s wooden sword.
Cheers from the other militiamen rose from all around. The rules declared that I lost this round.
“Haha, little girl, it doesn’t hurt, right?”
Edmond laughed heartily.
“Yeah, doesn’t hurt.”
Damn it, I was too naive. I rely on powerful self-healing abilities and brute force to defeat opponents. Without being able to use magic, it turns out that trying to defeat a militia captain is incredibly difficult.
“Isn’t it time to get serious? Come, again.”
Edmond provoked me. Does he think I’m just holding back? Ugh… my heart hurts.
I raised the sword above my head, made a thrusting motion, and charged at Edmond.
“Haaaaa!!”
《Sword Skill · Leaf Piercer》
Edmond thrust four rapid strikes at me, aiming for my eyes and shoulders.
Instinct made me use my sword to block the thrusts from above.
“Pap pap.”
Two strikes landed on my shoulders.
I lost again.
In the few rounds of sparring, there were very few direct clashes of swords. Instead, there was a lot of friction to deflect force, thrusts to vital points, and using the opponent’s strength against them.
My brute force was useless in the face of skillful swordsmanship; I could only be at his mercy.
“Hmm, little girl, your strength is indeed very great. Several slashes made the web of my hand go numb from the vibration. But you lack technique; it’s just simple hacking and slashing. You haven’t trained in the sword, have you?”
“Mm… I haven’t trained in the sword.”
To be honest, I’m a little disappointed. Not just for my dignity as a Demon Lord, but half of it is because my old fantasy has been shattered: I am not an invincible swordsman.
“Hey, Captain, what kind of skill is bullying a little sister? Stop lecturing her here. A little sister at her age should be having fun properly, why learn the sword?”
“Yeah, yeah, look at you acting like a captain.”
“That’s right, you’re so old and have been on the battlefield, yet you spar with such a small girl without holding back. Aren’t you ashamed?”
Seeing my cute, disappointed expression, the surrounding militiamen began to criticize their captain.
“Hahaha, you guys think I’m bullying her again? This little girl is so strong, if it were you guys, one slash would have knocked you down!!”
The militiamen made booing sounds, mocking their amiable leader. Obviously, except for Eiger who knew the truth, they all just treated this match as an ordinary introduction to swordsmanship.
